When should I use the Edit-R mKate2 Optimization plasmid?

The mKate2 Optimization plasmid is similar to the Edit-R Cas9 nuclease expression plasmid with the Blasticidin resistance marker, where the mKate2 fluorescent gene sequence has replaced the Cas9 nuclease gene. The mKate2 Optimization plasmid can be used to perform transfection optimization in a similar manner as described in the “Transfection Optimization” section of the technical manual. However, if you are working with a SMARTCas9 nuclease expression plasmid, then we recommend performing transfection optimization with a corresponding SMARTCas9-mKate2 expression plasmid under the control of a promoter you know to be active in your cells.